Supporting employers through the holiday season

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for employers it can also be a period of intense activity and stress. In fact, 57% of surveyed U.S. adults indicated that the holidays are stressful, with just 23% finding the season even slightly relaxing.¹ With the end of year fast approaching, employers are often juggling critical tasks, including wrapping up open enrollment, finalizing budgets, conducting performance reviews and planning for the upcoming year.

Add to this the personal stress that the holidays can bring, and it's clear that the most wonderful time of the year is also a time of the year when employers need some extra support.

Here are 8 strategies that can help you support your clients in navigating this busy season:

1. Prioritize communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, especially during the holiday season when calendars can be tricky to shore up. Make it a priority to stay in regular contact with your clients. Schedule regular check-ins to ensure that you are aligned on all ongoing and upcoming tasks. Use a variety of communication methods, such as phone or video calls, emails and maybe an in-person meeting, to accommodate different preferences and schedules. Being proactive in your communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all tasks are completed on time and before year’s end.

2. Offer flexible scheduling

During the holiday season, employers may have more limited availability due to personal commitments. Be flexible with your own scheduling to accommodate their needs. This flexibility may help you build stronger relationships with your clients and show that you value their time and well-being.

3. Provide clear and concise information

The holiday season is a time when employers are often overwhelmed with multiple tasks. To help them stay focused, brokers and consultants may want to provide clear and concise information. Break down complex processes into manageable steps and use simple, jargon-free language. Create checklists and timelines to help them stay organized and on track. This may reduce their stress and help ensure that all necessary tasks are completed efficiently.

4. Offer proactive support

Don’t wait for your clients to reach out with questions or concerns. Be proactive in offering support. Anticipate their needs and provide solutions before they even realize they have a problem. For example, if you know that many employers are struggling with end-of-year budgeting, offer a workshop or webinar on cost-saving benefits strategies. By being a proactive resource, you can help your clients feel more in control and less stressed.

5. Help with open enrollment wrap-up

Open enrollment is a critical time for employers, and the holiday season can make it even more challenging. Offer to assist with the final stages of open enrollment, such as reviewing enrollment data, addressing any last-minute issues and ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed. Your support can help ensure a smooth transition into the new plan year and reduce the burden on your clients.

6. Support end-of-year budgeting

End-of-year budgeting is a complex and time-consuming process. Offer to assist your clients with budgeting for their benefits plans, including analyzing current costs, projecting future expenses and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities. Your expertise can help them make informed decisions and ensure that their budgets are realistic and effective.

7. Plan for 2026 and beyond

While the holiday season is a time to focus on the present, it’s also an opportunity to start planning for the future. Help your clients finalize their 2026 plans by conducting a thorough review of their current needs and identifying any areas for improvement. Offer strategic advice on how they can optimize their plans to better serve their employees and align with their business goals.

8. Remind them about stress-relief resources

The holiday season can be particularly stressful for employers, both professionally and personally. This may be a time to remind them about the benefits they’ve made available to their employees to manage stress, which are also available to them – particularly behavioral health resources for lower severity issues like the Calm Health app, for instance. By showing that you care about their well-being, you can build a stronger, more trusting relationship.

The holiday season, coupled with end-of-year tasks, can be a challenging time for your clients, but it also presents an opportunity to strengthen your relationships with them. By prioritizing communication, offering flexible scheduling, providing clear and concise information and being proactive in your support, you can help your clients navigate the end of the year with confidence and ease.